TOURIST VISA
Hajj vs Umrah visas 2026: What Indian pilgrims must know as Saudi Arabia bars visit visas, tightens entry norms
Saudi Arabia has implemented stricter entry rules for Hajj 2026, barring visit visa holders and requiring official permits for access to holy cities. Umrah visas are currently suspended, with authorities emphasizing the mandatory Hajj permit for entry to Mecca to manage crowds and enhance safety.
India medical tourism slips below pre-Covid peak amid geopolitics, visa delays and rising Asian competition
India's medical tourism is facing challenges. Arrivals have dropped significantly below pre-Covid levels. Geopolitical tensions and visa delays are impacting the sector. Competition from other Asian nations is also a factor. Industry leaders suggest focusing on high-tech, reliable healthcare delivery to attract international patients. Improvements in ties with Bangladesh could help reverse the trend.
UK proposal to charge tourists to visit museums sparks backlash amid restitution demands
Britain is considering charging foreign tourists to enter national museums, a move that has sparked criticism from countries like Ghana and restitution groups. This proposal comes as many disputed artefacts, taken during the colonial era, remain on display in British institutions, raising concerns about fairness and accessibility for those seeking to view their heritage.
West Asia conflict disrupts aviation, leads to 15–20% dip in inbound tourist traffic; Rs. 18,000 crore net loss for industry: PHDCCI report
India's vibrant tourism and hospitality sector is currently reeling from the impact of conflicts in West Asia. With inbound tourist arrivals plummeting and flight paths being heavily affected, the industry is facing unprecedented financial strain. In response, there is a call for innovative policy changes to enhance stability and broaden the range of tourism experiences.
A ₹18,000 crore blow seen for India's aviation story as West Asia conflict clips wings
India's aviation and tourism sectors are currently navigating turbulent skies due to the unrest in West Asia. Airlines are challenged with heightened expenses and prolonged flight durations, significantly impacting international travel. The inbound tourism sector is seeing a downturn as Indian travelers prefer more brief vacations abroad.
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Pakistani, Bangladeshi migrants pretend to be gay to claim asylum in UK: Report
An undercover investigation reveals a scheme where migrants pay thousands to immigration advisers. They allegedly create fake stories to claim asylum in the UK by pretending to be gay. This practice exploits the asylum system, particularly for those whose visas have expired.
VFS Global expands Singapore visa services in India, opens new centres in Chandigarh and Chennai
VFS Global has expanded Singapore visa services in India by opening new Visa Application Centres in Chandigarh and Chennai. The centres will serve applicants from Punjab and Tamil Nadu for tourist, family visit, and business visas. The move aims to improve accessibility and streamline the application process, while visa decisions will remain with Singapore authorities.
Thailand warns travellers against fake digital arrival card websites
Beware of fake websites charging for Thailand's Digital Arrival Card. This service is free and mandatory for all foreign visitors. Register only through official Thai immigration channels. Unofficial sites can lead to scams and identity theft. Complete registration at least three days before your trip to ensure smooth entry and avoid delays at immigration counters.
Thailand reviews visa-free entry system over compliance gaps
Thailand is reviewing its visa-free entry for tourists from over 90 countries due to compliance gaps and misuse of entry rules. The government aims to attract higher-quality tourists by potentially shortening the 60-day stay, aligning tourism with economic priorities and focusing on income generation over sheer volume.
ICE launches new effort to uncover US 'birth tourism schemes'
America's Trump administration is targeting networks that help pregnant women get U.S. citizenship for their babies. Immigration agents are ordered to find these operations. This move is part of a larger effort to restrict birthright citizenship. Officials state birth tourism costs taxpayers and threatens national security. The government is focused on identifying and addressing potential violations of federal law.
A quiet new reset is loading in India's backyard and the world is watching
India-Bangladesh relations: Ater navigating through diplomatic hurdles, India and Bangladesh are now on a path to rejuvenate their partnership. Recent high-level discussions have emphasised key areas like energy trade, simplifying visa regulations, and enhancing security alliances. Bangladesh's increasing demand for diesel and fertiliser from India has set the stage for cooperative initiatives.
Middle East crisis sparks a new fear: Not being able to fly
Amid rising tensions linked to the Gulf War, concerns over air travel are shifting from fear of flying to fear of not flying at all. Sudden spikes in fuel prices, disrupted flight routes, and geopolitical uncertainty are making travel unpredictable and costly. While air travel is often seen as routine, global crises reveal its fragility, highlighting how access to flights remains limited and vulnerable to events beyond passengers’ control.
Iran-Israel war: UAE plans to introduce tourism package as travel and aviation sectors face challenges
The United Arab Emirates is launching a new support package for its tourism sector. This comes as regional tensions impact travel and aviation. Dubai has already introduced a one billion dirham relief fund. This allows hotels and tourism businesses to defer government fees for three months. The government is also monitoring prices and supply chains to ensure economic stability.
India eyes Southeast Asia flight deals as Gulf conflict narrows travel zones
India will begin talks with Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia to increase flight capacity. This move comes as the West Asia conflict limits expansion for Indian airlines. Southeast Asia is a popular destination for Indians. More flights will offer passengers more options and help manage airfares. This aims to boost travel to the region.
95% overweight, 50% diabetic: Inside the world's most fattest nation facing the worst health crises
Nauru, the world's least visited country, faces a severe health crisis with 95% of its population overweight and over 40% having diabetes. Decades of phosphate mining devastated the landscape and shifted diets to imported processed foods, leading to these alarming statistics. Limited access and high costs make tourism difficult on the remote island.
Tourism and hospitality ecosystem: Will it get hit harder due to the war’s second-order effect? 20 stocks to keep an eye on
The one thing that impacts the tourism and hospitality sector most is war. The reason is simple: Flights get disrupted, and the urge to travel takes a back seat. And there is a chain reaction. Disrupted or expensive flights not only mean trouble for airlines, but also for other players in the tourism ecosystem. Check out Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, for price targets of over 4,000 listed stocks, along with detailed company analysis focusing on five key components – earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum – to generate standardised scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.
Answers needed: Court order extending custody of foreign nationals in terror conspiracy case
A Delhi court has extended the custody of seven foreign nationals in a terror conspiracy case. The court noted the sensitive nature of the investigation, seeking answers about the accused's motives for entering India and their activities in Myanmar.
Thailand plans to introduce a tourist entry fee for air travellers
Thailand's new government will introduce a 300-baht entry fee for air travelers to boost tourism revenue, with plans for land and sea entry fees currently on hold. The government is also considering merging the Ministry of Tourism and Sports with the Ministry of Culture to create a unified Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
FIFA World Cup travel costs: How to plan and budget smartly for football’s most expensive carnival
FIFA World Cup 2026 turns a fan trip into a high-cost, multi-country journey.
West Asia conflict disrupts travel plans: How to claim flight and hotel refunds and avoid booking losses
As the West Asia crisis cuts into vacation plans and budgets, there’s still time to reschedule your trip and claim refunds.
US issues fewer visas in 2025 as India and China bear the brunt
India and China faced the biggest impact from stricter US immigration rules. Fewer visas were issued in early 2025 compared to the previous year. This affected students, workers, and family members. The US government stated its priority is American citizens. Visa issuance reflects a focus on national safety.
Nepal opens restricted trekking routes to solo foreign travellers
Nepal's immigration department has eased trekking rules, now permitting solo foreign tourists in restricted areas. Previously requiring groups, the change aims to boost visitor numbers. Solo trekkers must still use licensed guides and book through registered agencies, ensuring safety and logistical support. A new digital permit system and a guide-to-trekker ratio are also introduced to enhance oversight.
Thailand considers cutting visa-free stay to 30 days to address security risks
Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to propose reducing the visa-free stay for tourists from 60 to 30 days. This move aims to curb misuse of the system, including illegal business operations and online scams, while allowing for a 30-day extension if needed. The policy targets broader issues of visa misuse and security, not specific nationalities.
China vows to expand visa-free entry scheme to boost tourist spending
China's commerce ministry has unveiled new measures to boost foreign tourist consumption, including expanding visa-free entry to more nations and enhancing transit policies. The initiative also involves encouraging airlines to offer discounted connecting flights with extended layovers and local authorities to organize more sports events.
US national in drone plot; NIA tracking his digital footprint
An American national, arrested by the National Investigation Agency, trained rebel groups in Myanmar and Indian terror outfits in drone warfare. The arrests followed a tip-off from Russian counterparts. The group entered India on tourist visas and crossed into Myanmar. Investigations are ongoing, with digital footprints being traced. Ukrainian nationals were also detained. India has informed relevant embassies and ministries.
Delhi court grants 11-day NIA custody of six arrested Ukranians, US national over training Myanmar-based ethnic armed groups
A Delhi court has authorised the National Investigation Agency to hold seven foreign nationals for eleven days, including six from Ukraine and one from the United States. They stand accused of training various ethnic militias in Myanmar, alleged to support insurgent groups within India. After crossing into India from Myanmar through Mizoram, they were intercepted at domestic airports.
After the airstrikes: Will Golden Visa buyers pause or double down on Dubai?
Indian investors continue to explore Dubai's property market for its Golden Visa program. While regional tensions cause a pause in decision-making, interest remains strong. Buyers are now taking more time for due diligence and negotiating better terms. The Golden Visa offers long-term residency and asset diversification, making Dubai a stable economic hub.
Iran-Israel War: India asks its citizens in Bahrain to remain vigilant
Indians in Bahrain are urged to stay alert and follow safety guidelines. This advisory follows recent attacks between the US and Iran. The Indian Embassy in Bahrain remains operational. Stranded nationals, particularly tourists, are being prioritized for transit through Saudi Arabia. Specific procedures are in place for transit visas, valid for 72-96 hours.
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